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"You need to stay away from her," Daniel murmured when Sam was out of earshot.
"I know."
THIRTY-THREE
RAFE DIDN'T SHOW UP that morning. With every passing minute the questions weighed heavier, until by the time the break bell went, I was so distracted, I didn't hear it, just sat there, pretending to listen to a lesson long over.
Fingers tentatively touched my shoulder. I looked up to see Nicole. The classroom was almost empty. Daniel stood at the door, as if he'd just realized I hadn't left my seat. Nicole mouthed, "I've got it," and waved him on.
"Daydreaming, I guess." I stood.
She cleared her throat. "I know I'm not the person you want to talk to about this. About Rafe. That's why you didn't call last night. I'm not Serena."
"No, that's not--"
"It is. I get that. You guys were best friends. Except, well, there are things you can't talk to Daniel about, right? He didn't like Rafe, so he's happy you guys broke up. If you're not happy about it, you can't talk to him."
She was right.
"You like Rafe." She led me from the classroom, voice lowered as we walked into the crowded hall. "I don't need to be Serena to see that. I've watched you with other guys, summer boys. That's just for fun. This is different."
Right again.
"Is it because of the party?" she asked. "You think maybe he did drug you? Because I'm sure it was Hayley. If you want, we could try to prove it--break into her place, look for the dope."
I stared at Nicole.
Her cheeks colored. "What can I say--I'm a closet rebel. But if it's not the party thing, is it because he came on strong when you were drugged? I could help with that, too. You guys arrange a date and I'll be close by, so there's someone you can call if things get out of hand."
"You'll be my secret bodyguard?" I grinned at her. "You really are a rebel."
She flushed more. "Hardly. I just think you guys are good for each other."
I looked at Nicole. I'd misjudged her. Just like I'd misjudged Sam. And maybe Hayley. And Rafe? I didn't even want to think about that one.
I'd always considered myself such a good judge of character. The last few days, it seemed I was finding out I didn't know anyone except Daniel.
"Do you want to come over this weekend?" I asked. "Mom's taking the animals to the refuge in Victoria today, and I plan to go on the weekend to see the fledglings get their first flying lesson."
Her eyes lit up. "Seriously? I'd love that. I've always wanted to go there."
"I'd have invited you before, but I didn't think you were much of an animal person."
"I am. Smaller animals anyway. You can keep your cougars. But, well, animals were your thing, yours and Serena's. And yours and Daniel's. I didn't want to intrude."
"We'll go together, just you and me."
She smiled and we headed off to our next class.
When we broke for lunch, I caught up with Daniel outside the classroom. Corey and Brendan took off, saying they'd meet up with us at our table.
"What's wrong?" Daniel said.
"Noth--"
"If those guys can tell something's wrong, then it is, Maya."
I led him to a corner and waved to Nicole that I'd catch up with her later.
